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THEKLA 

A Drama 



BY 



AILEEN CLEVELAND HIGGINS 




A.rti et il^^Veritati 



BOSTON 

Cfte JPoet Hore Company, 

MCMVII 



Copyrig ht, 1907, Aileen Cleveland Higgins 
All Rights Reserved 



|LjBfiARY oToONGREsS 
I Two Gooies HeceivoG 

I JAN 10 1908 

liopyrtf/n tntry 

iUiSS^JZ) XXc. Wo. 

COPY B, 

— — ■TriinTi'> 






TO T. U. 



CHARACTERS 

THEKLA, of a noble family in Iconium. 
THEOKLEIA, her mother. 
PAUL, the Apostle. 

HERMOGENES, } ^^^^' ^"^"^' ^^ P'"^' 
ONESIPHORUS, citizen of Iconium, and Paul's 

host. 
LECTRA, his wife. 
MAIA, his daughter. 
ZENO, chief magistrate of Iconium. 
CASTELIUS, governor. 
CLAUDIUS, the emperor. 
ALEXANDER, high priest and agonothetes, or 

president of the festival in Antioch 

QUEEN TRYPHAENA, relative of Claudius. 

POLYBIUS) , . ., , 

PO^TDF^ r attendants or Alexander. 

Other attendants, nobles, spectators at the 
festival, slaves. 



THEKLA 

ACT . 

Scene I. Iconium. A. D. 50. The upper 
chamber of Theklas luxurious home at Iconium. 
On the left side, the garden^ fresh with spring 
budding. On the right side of the chamber, the 
house of Onesiphorous, where the Apostle Paul is 
the guest, meeting hour after hour, in his room 
opposite Thekla's window, those eager to hear his 
divine messages. It is night. In the garden, 
Thamyris, Thekla's lover, waits, as he has waited 
many nights, for her to place her love-lamp in the 
window, — the Oriental signal that the maiden is 
ready to be wooed and won by him who seeks her. In 
her darkened chamber Thekla is alone; with hands 
that flutter in and out like winged creatures, half in 
fright, she draws her lattice screen; then with a quick- 
caught breath, she sinks upon the grass-woven mat 
beside her window, and leans all trembling in the 
hush, to watch the shadows at the end of the garden 
where she knows Thamyris watches each night. The 
moon sends seeking gleams that shine upon the buds 
braided in her hair; as if revealed in human sight, 
with a sudden flush she hides her face in the silk- 
wrapped folds upon her breast. As a bat beats 
widespread wings in late circling, Thekla starts 
and listens — then draws farther back in the shadow 
of the chamber. There is a prescient hush. Thamy- 
ris slowly draws nearer and stands beneath her 
window. Then from the still damp garden close 
comes Thekla's name in wooer s pleading.) 



« THEKLA 

Thamyris 

Ah, Thekla, open now your lattice-screen, 

And set the love-lamp in its place to send 

Its signal to me here within the close 

Of this, your garden, where the plants and vines 

That your caress has brought to pink-tipped bud, 

Around me cast the spell of your white soul. 

Long have I waited for the hour when I 

Shall see a shy rose-glow shine through the dark 

Of brooding night — a signalling that I 

May speak my love at last — sweet beckon that 

Invites and bids me come — love's message that 

You yield, — you lean to list to wooer's song — 

New melody which speaks your name — a song 

Long sung a-hush within my heart. Ah, love, 

Keep me no longer here in silence bound. 

I wait, loved maid, — I wait. 

{Thekla draws away from the window and makes no 
answer. There is a long interrogating 
silence. Enter Theokleia, from the corridor 
where she has been standing, in hearing 
of Thamyris' s pleading.) 

Theokleia 

My child, why sit 
You silent here, in dark and solitude .? 

Thekla 

I am alone, yet not alone, 



THEKLA 

Theokleia 

Ah, then, 
Within the garden Thamyris awaits, 
As he has long awaited, eve on eve, 
The gleaming of your love-lamp. All too long 
Have you withstood him, Thekla, — and indeed 
'Twere travesty of shyness longer, child, 
To keep back now the message that will bring 
The noblest youth in all Iconium 
To plead in adoration at your feet. 
None honored as young Thamyris — not one 
So sought and banqueted as he, and none 
Accounted such great wealth; with all this, too, 
He has much learning — and beside his wit, 
So trenchant in its turn, all other jest 
Seems but the tinselled effort of a fool. 
Who is it first in all the games which try 
The strength of muscles' skill .? And who beside 
All other nobles looks a very god 
Incarnate in man's mold ? 'Tis he who fain 
Would wed you, child. What want you more ? 

Thekla 

I find 
In Thamyris no fault — and yet, I know 
Not why — a nameless something stays my hand. 
I cannot light my love-lamp for him yet. 

Theokleia 

Ah, come — what time like now to yield when all 



10 THEKLA 

The spring breathes possibilities of love ? 

The scarlet buds, close sheathed in pale leaf-green 

Beneath your window, hold the nectary 

Of a fulfilment sweet. The whisper song 

Of birds, the fragrance of the pulsing earth, 

The rush of sap, the blue that freshens skies 

So lately winter-gray, the clearer light, 

The first warm winds, — what does all nature tell 

To you this wondrous night of stars in spring ? 

Come, — never were you fairer, child, with buds 

Of white pearled crown-like in your hair, — 

That shining scarf of rainbow hue close-wrapped 

About your breast, — your eyes like early dawn. 

Ah, cloister not your beauty longer here! 

A face like yours was made to give delight 

To many eyes. 

Thekla 

What matters it, in truth, 
My mother, how a face be fashioned, or 
Who may behold ? 

Theokleia 

Such words are strange upon 
So fair a maiden's lips. In woman's heart 
The love of beauty's power ever lives. 
In you it sleeps, made dormant by the life 
You lead alone and uncompanioned here 
Apart from men and other maiden who. 
With dance and jest, would soon enliven you. 
When once it is revealed to you that for 



THEKLA II 

A woman's smile a man may lay his sword 

Of battle down, — how an averted glance 

May make him more afraid than angered gods, — 

How for a light caprice his life is risked 

In bridgeless flood of yon Orontes, — then 

Will you awake to glory born in you 

By your great beauty's regal sway. 



Thekla 

Nay, nay — 
Not such a power should I ever wish 
To wield. 

Theokleia 

You speak, my child, as one without 
The walls hears not the music of the feast. 
And, knowing nothing of its charm to stir 
The pulse and to awaken laughter, turns 
Uncaring from the gate. This power is 
Your birthright — I, child, gave it you. In youth 
My beauty led all men as yours shall lead 
When they behold. 

Thekla 

For this — for this. 
Is woman born into the world .? And is 
There nothing higher for our womanhood 
Than this ? 



12 THEKLA 

Theokleia 

I understand you, Thekla, — yes. 
Oft have I seen the mother instinct leap 
Into your eyes when you have held some bird 
That hovered v^ounded in your gentle hand, — 
When you have stooped v^ith quick response to 

smile 
In children's faces lifted to your own, — 
When you have laid your soothing touch upon 
The sick who in their pain turn first to you, 
With this maternal tenderness of yours, 
Sometimes it must be that you long for ties 
That bring the gifts of motherhood. 

Thekla 

Ah — I 
Would mother not my own in selfish love. 
But children of the world who need me more. 
My mother, there has come a change in me — 
I know not what — and words are clumsy things 
To half explain my thoughts so newly roused. 
My whole perception has been touched and changed 
By sensitiveness new and strange, that finds 
Interpretation of the universe 
Unlike the teachings of my race. At night 
The wind cries out with voices that before 
I have not heard — they cry and moan and call 
Insistently for aid. A crumb of bread 
Flung to the hungry birds flocked round seems now 
Significant of all the world's great need, — 



THEKLA 13 

Unnoticed and but scantly helped. The lights 

Of early stars seem vigils set against 

The ever lurking dark. This all creates 

A strange unrest in me — a groping doubt 

Of what in life is worth the strife — a vague 

And haunting wonder what utility 

My own existence serves — a question grave 

Of very right to be. I know not why 

But I am not at one with self. 

Theokleia 

What train 
Of morbid fancy can this be ? You speak 
The vagaries of one too much alone. 
But light your lamp and all the world 
Will take a guise most wonderful, — new ties 
Will ground your floating phantasies and make 
Existence full of new delights. 

Thekla 

Ah, but 
The very making of these earthly ties 
May but undo my highest usefulness. 
A wife — I could not have each day to give, 
With free, glad joy, — a rounded glowing whole 
In its entirety, — a sacrifice. 
Well spent in helpful service to the world. 
Instead, would love and duty riddle time 
Into fine fractions by routine of house 
And loved one's care. My whole life then would be 



14 THEKLA 

In endless trifles dissipated — spent 

In narrow circles of my household loves. 

Is it not better, mother, then to keep 

The spirit free from earthly ties that one 

May serve in human usefulness ? To keep 

In chastity the flesh, so live unchained 

To earth ? He who conforms with worldly things 

Must lose his own identity in spheres 

Of higher life, wrought pure by sacrifice. 

Theokleia 

'Tis plain that you have listened to the words 
Of foreign teaching, w^hich a man named Paul, 
Who is the guest of Onesiphorous, 
Speaks hourly in the chamber opposite. 
He has no message for our race. He speaks 
A doctrine false and artful. His appeal 
Is not for you. Hear him no more. His craft 
Has led your reasoning astray. Your youth 
Perverts your judgment, but with older mind, 
I see how all unworthy is this man. 

Thekla 

But Onesiphorous and Lectra too. 

With all their friends and many strangers, sit 

To hear what this apostle has to say. 

Theokleia 
'Tis but the sorcery, the subtle art 



THEKLA 15 

Of some magician practised, child, — no more, — 

This power that he uses to entice. 

You know that Onesiphorous has long 

Been changing follower of strange beliefs — 

So has he made himself an alien 

To us. What leadership has such a one ? — 

To-day he listens with his friends to Paul, 

His guest — another day and some new thought 

From mouth of greater fool will catch the ear 

Of Onesiphorous and hold him rapt. 

Do you presume to place your judgment then 

Above your mother's word ? Have you forgot 

You owe obedience ? 

Thekla 

Forgive me, pray, 
My mother. You are wiser far than I. 
Forbid that I should question what you know 
To be the wisest course. I am your child — 
You know what life is best for me to live. 

mother, never have I felt as now. 
The need of counsel — for at this, the turn 
From my young girlhood to my womanhood, 

1 am bewildered. Let me take your hand 
In mine for I am sore afraid. 

Theokleta 

You are 
But overwrought — come, rest here on my arm 
As when a little child in doubt. What — tears .? 
weet bud, aflFrighted to unfold into 



i6 THEKLA 

A world of strange new joy. These tears are but 
The heralders of laughter soon to be. 
I leave you now that you may be alone 
To light your lamp. 

Thekla 

Nay, mother, stay — oh, stay, — 

Theokleta 

When first a maiden lights her lamp, she must 
Be quite alone — that hour is hallowed by 
The gods. May blessings rest upon your flame 
Of love. Now let your light burn quickly forth. 

Thekla 

I shall obey your will. 

Theokleia leaves Thekla in her chamber alone. With 
timid maiden grace and downcast eyes Thekla 
quickly lights her love-lamp. As she sets it 
upon the window ledge, the voice of Paul 
rings out suddenly from the chamber opposite. 
Waveringly Thekla half screens the light 
with her hand and listens. Paul's words 
spoken in the house of Onesiphorous to eager 
listeners: 

Hear, listeners — 
Thrice blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
Shall see their God; and blessed are the few 



THEKLA 17 

Who hold the flesh quite chaste, for they shall keep 
Themselves the temples of their Holy God. 
Then blessed are the strong that have control 
Of self, for God shall speak with them apart; 
And blessed are the virgins who shall keep 
The vow of their virginity — such ones 
Shall all receive rewards of chastity — 
The words of God shall certainly become 
To them a light of great salvation, placed 
Against the day of His own perfect Son. 
Thrice blessed are the followers, that through 
The love of Christ have come out boldly from 
Conformity with worldly laws, — these few 
Shall judge the angels. They shall sit at God's 
Right hand. 

Thekla 

It is a message unto me. 
Some high authority that sweeps away 
All counsel of my mother, now compels 
My heed. I must obey — I cannot let 
My love-lamp shine. 

{She extinguishes her lamp.) 



Scene II. (Theklas garden. Three nights after 
the first scene. Theokleia goes to speak to Thamyns, 
where he waits at the far end of the garden.) 

Theokleia 

Strange tale I have to tell, — 

For, Thamyris, three days and nights beside 

Her window has my daughter sat without 

Sufficient food or drink, intent upon 

The words of Paul, the foreigner. She hears 

With rapt and earnest face his long discourse 

Upon virginity and prayer, nor will 

She listen to persuasion or reproof. 

This man has robbed you of your Thekla thus; 

His artful doctrine has around her cast 

Some strange, dark magic spell. 



Thamyris 

It cannot be 
That Thekla has withdrawn herself from me. 
Three nights ago, I saw that one brief flash 
Of Thekla's love-lamp, and the hope it gave 
Still animates my spirit with wild joy! 
It was enough to tell me — though she wills 
I must still longer wait, I may return, 
Each night, expectant of the final sign, 
Which she has thus foretold. 



i8 



THEKLA 19 

Theokleia 

Not so — not so. 
As Thekla screened her lamp that night, she turned 
To listen to this stranger's words again. 
All overpowered she became, and then, 
Extinguishing the light, she threw herself 
With great emotion and much eagerness 
Upon her knees, beside the window there 
Just opposite that upper chamber where 
The guest of Onesiphorous beguiles 
The weak Iconians. She heeds not tears, 
Nor looks upon the shrine to Artemis. 
Through this apostle's teachings you have lost 
Your Thekla's love. 

Thamyris 

You can deceive me not. 
Perchance you will that Thekla now should change 
Her favor and for crafty Silas or 
Some other suitor let her love-lamp shine. 
Enrage me not with subterfuge. Speak truth. 
Or may the gods lay curse upon your house. 

Theokleia 
Let cool your wrath — I speak the truth. 

Thamyris 

I will 
Believe it not. From Thekla, whose pure lips 



20 THEKLA 

Know not the way to frame untruth, the tale 
Must come. 

{Thamyris goes beneath Theklas window and calls 
softly to her.) 

'Tis I, I, Thekla — Thamyris. 
I wait here anxiously to learn from you, 
That this strange story which your mother tells 
Is not the truth. One word — dispel my doubt. 

{There is no answer.) 
O Thekla, Thekla, is it this strange spell 
That holds you silent and apart from me ? 
Then meant the glimmer of your love-lamp naught ? 
One word — for I am mad with baffled hope. 
Speak, — speak — or by your silence must I know 
This tale is true. 

{Thekla gives no answer, and after a long, futile 
waiting Thamyris returns to Theokleia.) 

I must believe what you 
Have told this night to me, for Thekla gives 
No answering denial to my cry. 
So soon my April-bud of joy is dead. 
The gods look darkly on the one desire 
That flames my heart. Who is this man named 

Paul, 
Who wrought such change in Thekla's mind .? 

Theokleia 

Since fall 
Has he been dwelHng in Iconium. 



THEKLA 21 

His work has been insidious and sure. 

No god like his has ever been set forth 

Before our people here. Accustomed as 

We are to rise of deities brought here 

From other lands, indifferent we look 

Upon the worship given each new God. 

What harm does Isis work ? The growth of each 

New superstition only ends, in truth, 

To wider worship of our Artemis. 

No innovation of religious f^ith 

Has stirred our basis of society 

Before. This Paul will overturn all law 

Within our city. All established rule 

Of ordered system will be broken down, 

For those who go to listen to this man, 

Take vows of chastity and sacrifice 

That soon will loose the hold of family 

And social ties which closely bind our race. 

It is unlawful thus to interfere 

With our fixed habits and for this must Paul, 

Magician and enchanter that he is, 

Be made to answer ere another sun 

Shall burn the gray of dusk. 

Thamyris 

None abler than 
One Thamyris to give this man his due! 

Theokleia 

Well said — but how ? Stay — look — now from 
the house 



22 THEKLA 

Of Onesiphorous come forth two men 

I oft have seen pass in and out. Make haste 

Into the street and meet these men — so may 

You talk with them and learn the ways of Paul, — 

Then soon evolve a way to punish him. 

{Thamyris passes outside the garden and speaks 

with Denias and Hermogenes, who are just 

coming from Paul's chamber.) 

Thamyris 

Pray tell me, men, who is among us here 

That draws increasing crowds to hear his words ? 

Demas 
A man named Paul. 

Thamyris 
You call yourselves his friends ? 

Hermogenes 

We travelled with him thither on the road, 
And thus we grew to know him well. 

Thamyris , 

Describe 
This man to me. 



THEKLA 23 

Hermogenes 
He is but small in size, — 

Demas 

Yet full of agile grace and buoyant health 
With muscles that try well such strength as yours. 

Thaniyris 
His face ? 

Hermogenes 

His eyebrows meet and give his face 
A grave, stern look. 



D 



em as 



Grave ? Stern ? To me his face 
Shows only tenderness. 

Hermogenes 

With such a nose, — 
Like some fierce hawk's, and chin as dogged as 
The emperor's .? His mouth — it seems I have 
Forgot his mouth — 

Demas 

Because of what he speaks. 
Then does he look not like a man, but pure 



24 THEKLA 

And radiant as some lone spirit come 
From higher sphere. He has a countenance 
Like none you know on earth. 

Hermogenes 

Have you forgot 
That he is growing bald and that he has 
A scar which twists his cheek in riveled lines 
Like impress of some hand of hate ? 



D 



emas 



Apart 
From him, I can remember but his eyes — 
With ever changing fire in their veiled depths. 
They have a look that holds me to him now 
As when we met him on the mountain road. 

Thamyris 

Why stay you both so long about this man ? 
They say for many moons he has been here. 

Hermogenes 

When Onesiphorous came out to meet 
Him on the Royal Road, I made to part 
Our ways, but Demas, here, the dreamer, like 
Some wide-eyed child drawn by the subtle spell 
Of story-teller's charm, was so enthralled 
By Paul's strange oracles of Christ which we 



THEKLA 25 

Had listened to each day and night upon 

Our journey, that he would not separate 

From him — and since the two of us have but 

One purse — and Demas carries it, we came 

Together after Paul and took the place 

Of guests in breaking bread and bending knee 

Within the house of Onesiphorous. 

There Demas soon became enamoured of 

The daughter Maia who bound up for him 

His travel-wounds, with soothing ointments poured 

Upon soft swathings. So he lingers long 

Within Iconium to voice his plea 

And win her love. 



Dem 



as 



Hermogenes, why tell 
Our story to a stranger that but greets 
You with a passing word ? In walking here 
I have let fall along the way a script 
I treasure greatly and I must retrace 
My steps. It must be near — I shall return 
In haste — so linger here. 

(Demas departs.) 

Hermogenes 

A pretext for 
A last good-night to Maia and to Paul. 
The two have robbed me of my comrade who 
With me has lived the wanderer's free life. 
I would be off again upon the road — 
But for my long dependence on his purse, 



26 THEKLA 

Curse fate that life must be lived out to clink 

Of coin — chief penalty of what men call 

A life that's civilized. I loathe the walls 

Of purse-bound houses bought and sold. I hate 

The city gates that compass men to lives 

Of narrow circling. Ah — to sleep once more 

With starlight on my face — to know again 

The freedom of the open and the wild ! 

The purple of the distance lures me on — 

For somewhere there awaits a kingdom just 

For me — lay not a finger to your brow — 

There waits the kingdom of my happiness. 

For this I toil o'er lonely desert stretch 

And mountain trail — I follow beckoning 

Of each new passing sail or lambent torch 

In lifted hand. The scars you see upon 

My body tell the story of the pain 

This quest has brought to me. Sometimes my feet 

Are numb and sight is blurred — what matter, if 

I keep my dream ? 'Tis this that recreates 

My life with each day's rising sun. If in 

The end I learn my long-dreamed kingdom is 

A futile quest — that nowhere blooms my land 

Of red joy-roses — then shall I make but 

One prayer unto the gods — not for the lost 

Fair kingdom of my happiness — but for 

The quick restoring of my dream — my fool's 

Rose-dream! Ah, what a night to vagabond 

With moonbeams! Yet must I stay restless here 

Within these city walls! 



THELKA 27 

Thamyris 

Good fellow, hark — 
You need not stay imprisoned here if you 
Will serve me as your friend — a friend who ties 
A fuller purse than Demas ever held. 
I need your help and have the gold to pay 
For it. I want to speak against this Paul 
Before the magistrates, because he is 
Corrupting all Iconium with words 
That undermine our social laws. Help me 
In this and all the gold you need is yours. 

Hermogenes 

'Tis easy earning of my freedom, for 
This man has robbed me of my friend. 

Thamyris 

I need your comrade Demas, too — what means 

will draw 
Him into league with us ? With gold can we 
Induce your friend to speak against this man ? 

Hermogenes 

He thinks that Paul can do no wrong — and gold 
Would turn him from you quicker than a spot 
Of leprosy upon your hand. There is 
But one sure course to win him to your will. 
The maiden Maia lately has become 



28 THEKLA 

Indifferent to Demas, for she sits 
All day with mind upon Paul's words. Not yet 
Does Demas understand the change in her, 
Although her coldness troubles him and drives 
Him pacing up and down the long night through 
In sleepless doubt. Convince him that through 

Paul 
His love is lost and thus you have him led 
To work with you. 



Th 



amyrts 



Come, now, and sit with me — 
My banquet table waits — a sumptuous 
Repast. 

Hermogenes 

A change indeed from herbs, plain loaves 
And water — gladly will I come. 

Thamyris 

Persuade 
Your friend when he returns. 

Hermogenes 

'Twill not be hard — 
For Demas has a great delight in wines 
And dainties. This will help you gain your end. 
Inflame him with your wines. So long has he 
Abstained, one taste will wake to mastery 



THEKLA 29 

Old habit, loosely leashed. Then help me prove 
To him that Paul has robbed him of his love. 
I know him when the demon in him works — 
Paul's doom is sealed. 



Thamy 



ris 



I hear his step — help me 
To win him to the feast. 
{They go to meet Demas, and shortly the three pass 

laughing along the path that leads to Thamy- 

ris's abode.) 



ACT IIJ 

Scene I. (Just outside of the city walls of Iconium 
A week has passed since the last scene. Hermogenes 
IS trying to draw Demas hack into the city.) 

Hermogenes 

Give ear to me, — 
A fool's trail, Demas, now to follow Paul. 

Demas 

Hermogenes, the day that Paul was scourged 
And cast without these gates I woke, as one 
Whose senses have been filmed by long drug sleep, 
To what great wrong we did in lending aid 
To injure him. Since then no sun has brought 
Me peace. 

Hermogenes 

If wrong it was, how can we right 

It, now that Paul has gone, we know not where ? 



D 



etnas 



I want to see if all is well with him. 

He may be sick, — at mercy of wild beasts, — 

Or lost upon these plains. And I 

Would hear again those messages of his — 

Perhaps he has for me some word that will 

Give peace. 



30 



THEKLA 31 

Hermogenes 

From one who stole away your heart's 
Desire — the love of Maia, that fair maid ? 

Demas 

It is now plain to me, Hermogenes, 

'Twas not his fault I lost the maid — her soul 

Was far above a mate world-worn as I. 

She turned from me to hear his words as some 

Snow-lily turns from noisome dark to pure, 

Clear sunlight. Ah, if I had hearkened, too. 

And learned of him, I might not be as now 

A restless wanderer — a moving blot 

Upon the earth. I feel the fault lies in 

Myself. I was too much perverted by 

The world, — too weak, — to take as mine his 

faith. 
For nature has in me implanted such 
Strong kinship v/ith the things of flesh, that now 
My spirit has grown hard with yielding long 
To sin. So have I lost a sensitive 
Response to high appeals — I could not rise 
With him to purity. Yet would I hear 
Him speak again. Hermogenes, I feel 
That we have wronged a m.an that means no guile. 
As in a haze I can recall the day 
We went before the magistrate and spoke 
Against him — Paul, who had befriended us. 
Much wine inflamed me, — wine that I had drunk 
At those long feasts which Thamyris prepared 



32 THEKLA 

To lure us and to render us as clay 

In his revengeful hands, to shape at will. 

I heard confused, as one far off, the voice 

Of Thamyris when he cried out, *'This man 

Is a magician — by his art has he 

Corrupted our Iconium. We know 

Not who he is, but he has made our maids 

Averse to marriage by his doctrine, strange 

And new, that men begin to call by name 

The Christian faith. This God he preaches is 

Not one to take a place with other gods 

In our eclectic pantheon — but to 

Destroy all other worship. All this means 

For us a social revolution here." 

Then all the multitude cried out, "Away 

With him — this bold magician Paul, away 

With this strange foreigner." The magistrate 

Was stern in words of questioning to Paul. 

"Who art thou, man ? And what is this you teach ?" 

Paul's voice rang out in answer quick, " I teach 

A living God, a God who stands in need 

Of nothing. He has sent me to reclaim 

Mankind from sinful flesh and death. For this 

God sent His Son in whom I teach all men 

To rest their hope, for He alone has had 

Compassion on a world led far astray. 

I teach that which has been revealed to me 

By God. Wherein do I do wrong ? " Ah — then, 

Hermogenes, I knew this man knew naught 

Of subtle arts of sorcery. Truth spoke 

In that clear voice — truth that made Zeno loath 

To pass quick judgment — for he ordered that 



THEKLA 33 

The culprit be imprisoned for a time 

Until the magistrates could hear again 

Paul's story at their leisure. Then I felt 

A guilty sense of shame, yet I was bound 

By oath to Thamyris and wild ran fire 

Of wines within my blood. Ah, would that I 

Could but forget the look Paul gave to me 

As he was led away! I saw him as 

In mists that writhe and crawl at night in from 

The sea and grayly clutch the mountain tops. 

But dimly I remember, — yet I know 

Some hand kept hold on me and I could not 

Go after him. Hermogenes, a curse 

Upon you, if that hand was yours. 

Hermogenes 

And w^ould 
You follow after one who soon proved true 
The accusations made against him ? Ay, 
And more, for well you know that very night 
Revealed the guilty earthly love he bears 
For Thekla, the betrothed of Thamyris, 
So runs the tale. At midnight Thekla slipped 
From out her chamber. Easily she passed 
The gates that bar Paul's dreary prison-house, 
By quickly stripping bare her arms of all 
Her bracelets, carved in gold, inlaid with pearls, 
And shining jewels, rare and red, that flashed 
A rainbow world of sudden promise in 
The eyes of Sextus, keeper of the gate. 
When once within those first barred walls she 
bribed 



34 THEKLA 

The jailer with her mirror, cobwebbed o'er 

With threads of gold, a-dazzle here and there 

With dewlike gems that glowed a prophecy 

Of ease to him through that damp prison gloom. 

So Thekla reached Paul's cell. She wept and kissed 

His bonds — and all night long she stayed with him. 

A slave of Sextus in the street met with 

Her mother, Theokleia, in her search 

With Thamyris for Thekla, whom they feared 

Was lost. This slave informed them she had 

passed 
Within the prison walls — and there at dawn 
They found her, sitting at the feet of Paul. 
The two were so inthralled that Thekla showed 
No shame, but had a look of newfound joy 
And exultation, as had Paul; and when 
They seized her foreign lover to be led 
Again before the magistrates, she threw 
Herself upon the ground where he had sat 
And there she grovelled, crying out with such 
Low moans as one who is bereft. This proves 
That Paul, who so misled her, got his due 
When he was scourged next day and cast without 
Iconium. 



D 



etnas 



A proof ? The gossip of 
The street a proof ? How can we know what passed 
Behind closed doors ? We did not see. Perhaps 
She sat and learned his teachings — there received 
Some special message from his lips that brought 
Her gladness. Who are we that we should judge ? 



THEKLA 35 

As some wild reed stung by the bee will bloat 

Until it is sufficient house to hold 

Her hatch, so Thekla's deeds and words have been 

Perverted by malicious tongues, to seem 

The proofs of guilt. I have no ear for these 

Low mischief-makers, for, Hermogenes, 

I saw this maiden's eyes when Paul was scourged — 

She does not love him with a love of earth. 



Hermoorenes 

o 

Why then does she remain immovable 

To prayers and tears of all her household ? It 

Is said that all her slaves, her lovers, and 

Her parents fail to break the spell which holds 

Her in its thrall. 'Tis plain that Paul has so 

Bewitched the maid he can maintain as strong 

His power over her, though now apart. 

Her family resorted soon to much 

Severer measures, bringing Thekla to 

Appear before the chief tribunal, but 

In vain the judges threatened her at length 

With penalties. 'Tis said she would not speak 

One word in answer when they asked why thus 

She has forsaken laws so long observed 

In her Iconium, and will not yield 

To Thamyris. I heard to-day that she 

Is trying to escape from home and go 

Across these plains to follow Paul. 



36 THEKLA 

Demas 

A tale 
Of idle gossipers as all the rest, — 
Such action would indeed be proof they both 
Deserve the censure laid upon them by 
The people, for unless they loved and lived 
An earthly passion, she w^ould never go 
To join him thus. But to believe this last 
Maligning news of Thekla, I should have 
To see her setting forth myself. 
{A hooded figure passes quickly out of the gates.) 

Hermogenes 

Look, — look — 
Upon your left! Who steals from out the gate 
There, Demas, in that rough disguise of dress 
But Thekla .? Now will you believe in her ? 
And in the man she goes to meet ? I did 
Not think so soon to prove my words. 

Demas 

'Tis she! 

{With a great cry he throws himself upon the ground). 
O Paul — Paul — spare me this! 
{After a long time he raises himself and watches 
Thekla till she disappears from view.) 

Hermogenes 
The road — the road that lies away from her 
And him! — Help me forget. Ah, quickly come — 
The old, free life again! 



THEKLA 37 

Hermogenes 

Now speaks the friend 
I knew in days too long ago. For this 
I have been waiting, Demas. With the purse 
Which Thamyris bestowed upon me, I 
Was free to leave you days ago — but I 
Was held by memory of comradeship, 
Ah, Demas, friend — to know that Hfe again! 
See — there upon our right the mountains rise — 
All needled sharp in silhouette against 
The sky. There lies our path. 

Demas 

Back to our world — 
Come — back again, Hermogenes! How have 
We stayed away so long ? 



Scene II. {The plains stretching to the north of 
Iconium. Thekla, alone, pausing as the distance 
grows, to bid adieu to the city of her hirth.) 

Thekla 

Farewell, Iconium, my home, — my home. 

This parting from you is to me like some 

Consuming fire that tries my purity 

Of purpose. Never till this hour have I 

Known all you are to me — your native child. 

Yours the first sky I ever saw. Your vales 

So gently cradled by the long, low hills 

Have been my dreaming spirit's playground since 

My birth. Your trees have leaned above me with 

A wistful care, a tenderness, which I 

Have sought each morning of my life at dawn. 

Your breezes have blown freshly through my spring 

Of life. Your walls have been a shelter safe 

That held me in my home, — the vastness of 

This world outside half-frightens me. Within 

Your gates a household draws me by the ties 

Of blood. My heart is knitted to them by 

A mighty love. And Thamyris — I will 

Not lose my thoughts of him. He is my mate — 

This much I know — the flesh of me still yearns 

For him. I close my ears to nature's call 

And love's imperious command. Above 

My spirit's dark confusion comes a voice 

Ethereal that leads me on. It takes 



38 



THEKLA 39 

Away the wish to turn and go back home. 
Farewell, Iconium. Now as the sun 
Throws amber of its setting on your gates, 
And far before me stretches growing dark, 
I give you up, — my first free sacrifice 
For my new faith. 

{She stands with hands outstretched — her gaze 
resting in last mute caress upon the distant 
city. She turns slozuly and kneels, her face 
upon her hands. A -figure approaches rap- 
idly and the noise of his approach rouses 
her from her long devotion. It is Thamyns. ) 

Thamyrts 

The gods be praised that I have found you ere 
The sun has set. Come, Thekla, and return. 
With me. 

Thekla 

Nay, Thamyris, for I have said 
Farewell to my Iconium, — and in 
My heart to you. 

Thamyris 

Ah, not farewell — cast off 
This power that has led you here and come 
Back home. 

Thekla 

No longer is Iconium 
My home — from now I take instead the world 
Where'er my God may lead me, Thamyris. 



40 THEKLA 

Thamyris 
The great, unheeding universe your home, — 
You, Thekla, who were born for tender care ? 
What wildness this ? You would be lost — the 

world 
Is full of cruelty. Already has 

A change come o'er you — something softly young 
Has vanished from your face. Come back — come 

back — 
You are a woman, Thekla — mine the arm 
To guard you. Come — my arms are open to 
My white bride-love. 

Thekla 

Nay, nay — the ambient 
Protection of my God is round me now, 
And shields me from all hurt. 

Thamyris 

Dissemble not — 
You seek to cloak your love for Paul beneath 
The guise of a religious faith. Think you 
I do not know that you have left your home 
To seek this man who wanders on these plains, 
An outcast — scorned of men ? You cannot say 
You are not here to find this man — 

Thekla 

'Tis true, — 
I search for Paul, — but only that he may 
Give unto me the seal baptismal — then 
Temptation shall not touch me in the world. 
I swear I have no love of earth for Paul. 



THEKLA 41 

Thamyris 

Ah, Thekla — wound me not with lie on lie — 
To give you up is all too hard without 
This weak attempt at craft which only proves 
Your sin the clearer to me now. 

Thekla 

I can 

Not hope that you will understand. There is 

But one just critic of my words and deeds — 

But one clear-eyed spectator of my life — 

My true ideal self — the God in me. 

To stand before the searching of this self, 

With spirit white and unashamed, — this is 

My one desire. I have no real concern 

About my life in eyes of men — there is 

No sting in adverse criticism now. 

I have been called by God to sacrifice 

My home and you — my earthly mate — and go 

To teach His words, to heal alike the souls 

And bodies of mankind. 

Thamyris 

And you believe 
This foolish doctrine of the foreigner — 
That it is wrong to yield to earthly love \ 

Thekla 

Paul did not teach such doctrine, Thamyris. 
His words were much perverted by the ones 



42 THEKLA 

Who sought to do him ill. He did but say 
That earthly ties keep mortals tethered to 
The flesh, and so prevent the work that some 
Are called to do. He did not teach that sin 
Is in the marriage vows. For some God means 
Such vows shall be. But not for me, for I 
Must be unhampered in my work. 

Thamyris 

Ah what 
A life for you, my Thekla! What return 
Hope you to gain ? Not so does mortal win 
The world's applause. 

Thekla 

The love of human praise 
Does not inspire the high endeavor which 
Exacts man's sacrifice. But one reward 
I ask — the sacred, humble rapture one 
May know, who, blindly giving, learns at last 
His gift has carried joy. Dissuade me not 
Nor hold me back from those who have great need 
Of me — more need than you. 

Thamyris 

Ah, Thekla, love, 
But give yourself to me, and I will be 
Your slave to do your will. I shall not speak 
One word against the course you take. 



THEKLA 43 

Thekla 

And still 
You cannot understand. Can you not see 
My work must be my all ? 



Tharny 



ris 



{Wildly.) 

It shall not be, — 
I will not let you go from me — for you 
Belong to me by all the rights of what 
Men call affinity. So much I love 
You, Thekla, that there is no power strong 
Enough to part you from me. I demand 
My own — I force you now to yield to me. 

{He seeks to take her in his arms.) 

Thekla 

'Tis futile to defy divinity. 

{She lifts her face and slowly makes the sign of the 
cross.) 

O God — thy help! 

{A flame, a divine fire encircles and protects her. 
Thamyrts stands back in great awe — at 
last comprehending. He is drawn to his 
knees before her. She lays her hands upon 
his head in blessing and goes on her way.) 



Scene III. {A cave farther on towards the 
mountains , where Paul with the family of One- 
stphorous, who followed him out of Iconium, have 
paused upon their journey to fast and pray forThekla. 
A slave of Onesiphorous, going out for herbs, meets 
Thekla and brings her to the cave. There is great 
rejoicing at the sight of her.) 

Paul 

God, I thank Thee that so soon Thou hast 
Heard prayer and guided Thekla thither to 

Us here unharmed. Thou who dost understand 
Men's joy as well as sadness, share w^ith us 
In our rejoicing over her, as we 
Now break our fast. 

{The slaves bring loaves, herbs, berries, and water, 
and there is feasting and great joy.) 

Thekla 

1 have decided to go forth for Him, 

The Master, you revealed to me — and do 
His will for all my life, wherever He 
May lead. 

Paul 

It is a shameless age and you 
Are very beautiful. I fear you will 
Be overpowered by the manifold 
Temptations of the world. 



44 



THEKLA 45 

Thekla 

But give me now 
The seal baptismal, then shall I have naught 
To fear. Then shall I part from you and go 
Alone to Antioch. 

Paul 

Go, sleep in peace. 
At dawn to-morrow you shall be baptized. 

{The next morning at sunrise Lectra lathes Thekla 
and anoints her body with sweet-smelling 
oils, unbinds her hair and twines about her 
head a chaplet of bittersweet. The stone 
altar set up under the bay tree is adorned with 
mrytle. A fire of pine cones is lighted be- 
neath the cross of ilex-wood. Water is 
brought and purified. Paul sprinkles Thekla 
and she is consecrated by her vows.) 

Paul 

Now are you sanctified and saved by this 

Baptizing into Christ — this holy seal 

And sacrament that opens to you wide 

The realm of grace. Go, in the name of God, 

The blessed Trinity, and heal mankind. 

(He blesses her and binds her sandals on her feet. 
Thekla goes forth as one glorified upon her 
journey to Antioch.) 



ACT III 

Scene I. {The gates of Antioch. Many people 
are passing in and out, as it is the occasion of a great 
festival which, with its Roman venatio, the exhibi- 
tion of wild beasts, is an unusual event in a pro- 
vincial city like Antioch, not the capital of the pro- 
vince. The festival is of a political character, — it 
is a part of the government scheme for the romaniza- 
tion of southern Galatia. The governor Castelius, 
ts visiting Antioch that the event may be made as 
imposing as possible. All the important personages 
in Galatic Phrygia have come to pay their respects 
to Castelius and to the imperial poiver of Claudius, 
whom the governor represents. With the rest. 
Queen Tryphaena has come to Antioch from her 
private estates beside Loadiceia on the Lycus, where 
she has lived a life of seclusion since her quarrel 
with her son, King Polemon. Alexander, the 
agonothetes, or president of the festival, and high 
priest of the Galatic province, with his great train of 
attendants in holiday attire, is passing the gates on 
his way to the festival. He sees Thekla entering 
Antioch, and he is at once struck zuith her great 
beauty. A young ivoman unaccompanied in the 
street of an eastern town, she is mistaken for a dancing 
girl. As such, Alexander addresses her — an act 
of gallantry and honor from one of his rank to a 
person of the class to which he supposes she belongs.) 

Alexander 

(Greatly enamoured of Thekla at first sight stops his 
train of attendants to speak to her.) 

46 



THEKLA 47 

Who art you, maid ? What name is yours ? You 

are 
Most fair. Your flesh that shows itself between 
The parting of coarse garmenting is Hke 
The pink-white sheen of pearl — and luring-curved, 
Your red lips chalice nectar sweet that will 
Intoxicate my senses like bouquet 
Of mellowed wine. Your eyes — why, maid, the 

do 
Belie your lips. A pretty trick — upon 
My word, — dissembling artful! Like some saint 
You veil your eyes then with uplifting quick 
Your wistful gaze seeks sanctuary in 
The sky. Come, maid, with me and show' your 

grace 
In some lithe dance to quickstrung music's spell. 

Thekla 

{Invoking the right of a stranger and a guest ac- 
cording to ancient custom.) 
I claim the stranger's right. Molest me not. 
I am no dancing girl, but daughter of 
A noble house. 

Alexander 

{Laughing.) 

A noble house! Where dwells 
This royal family? Within the walls 
Of castle Nowhere, maid ? 



J 



48 THEKLA 

Thekla 

My home was in 
Iconium. 

Alexander 

Was, maid ? Why are you here ? 
{Thekla IS silent.) 
Speak on, — I love the silver of your voice. 
It is like purling cadence from the fount 
That nightly lulls me to my dreams. Speak, maid. 

Thekla 

lam the servant of my God. I come 
To teach His words and heal the sick. 

Alexander 

What new 
Religion this, to win so fair, so young 
A devotee ? Come, feign no more — yield me 
Your lips. 

{He tries to embrace her. Thekla resists him with 
all her supple strength. The attendants 
laugh and clap their hands.) 



Polyhi 



us 



{An attendant.) 
Behold our Alexander try 
His strength against a dancing girl! 



THEKLA . 49 

P OS ides 

{Attendant.) 
Well does 
She know the art of wrestling. See her turn 
His arm this way and that. Methinks he will 
Fight hard to win his kiss. 

Alexander 

You crafty child — 
You wake the eagerness for sweet, hard won. 
Your breath is like arbutus 'neath damp leaves. 



Thekla 

(Struggling luith new strength.) 
And you would so disgrace a stranger here 
Before this gaping crowd ? Where is your strength '^. 

(She tears his royal dress.) 
A crown upon your head ? Into the dust 
With it! 

(She pulls Alexander's crown from his head and 
throws it on the ground. He is forced to 
let Thekla free. 

The attendants and other onlookers cry out, 
the onlookers in merriment at Alexander s 
ludicrous appearance^ — the attendants in 
indignation at Thekla's sacrilege in thus 
assaulting Alexander and desecrating his 
official y priestly dress.) 



50 THEKLA 

Attendants 

Base sacrilege!* Away with this strange maid! 
She tears his chlamys. Strikes his crown to earth! 
Take her before the governor — he sits 
Within the stadium in his high place 
Of office waiting for the festival. 

{Alexander enraged at being a laughing-stock before 
the people^ and baffled in his purpose^ has he^ 
seized and led forthwith before Castelius, in 
before the whole assembled people^ where she 
IS tried for sacrilege. Thekla makes no de- 
nial of the charges. She has assaulted a high 
priest while ^vearing his sacred official dress. 
The offense is proved by the admission of 
the accused^ as was customary. Castelius 
determined to make a severe example of the 
case., in order to bring home to all minds the 
terror and strength of Roman authority. He 
condemns her to be exposed to the wild 
beasts which Alexander has arranged to have 
exhibited on one of the days of the festival. 
Such a sentence is new to the country, where 
Roman customs are just coming into use. 
The whole multitude is astonished and 
divided in approvingthe sentence. Thewomen 
protest actively and sympathize with Thekla. 
Such sympathy would be impossible if they 
thought her to be a '^Christian." The name 

* This offense was a sacrilege, and as such was in the 
category of dangerous crimes which it was the governor's 
duty to punish. 



THEKLA 51 

means nothing, as later, when Christianity is 
proscribed by the imperial authority and 
the mere name " Christian " is sufficient to 
arouse antagonism. As yet the word has no 
more significance than any name applied to 
a devotee of one of the numerous religions. 
They believe Thekla to be a follower of 
some new faith, bound by unusual conditions,' 
to fulfill the law of purity. The difference in 
her from other types does not concern them — 
they consider that a matter between "the 
God'* she worships and herself. Castelius 
IS somewhat affected by the general sympa- 
thy, but does not alter his sentence. Pre- 
liminary to the execution of her sentence, 
Thekla is at once made to take a part in 
the procession — the opening ceremony of 
the games. She is placed on top of the 
cage of a fierce lioness, and in this position, 
with a tablet inscribed "Sacrilegious*' placed 
beside her, Thekla is exhibited in the arena.) 



Polyb 



lUS 



Behold, the Honess protrudes her tongue 
Between the bars and Hcks the maiden*s feet! 

P OS ides 

Lr her face, Polybius, — as some 

Lc ab looks round the wilderness to find 

The . pherd, so she gazes on the crowd 
Who Scare at her. 



52 THEKLA 

Women 

How impious this law 
That does condemn this maid! 

{The onlookers follow after Thekla and throw before 
her path numerous flowers and plants sig- 
nificant of the varying sentiment concerning 
her.) 

First Noble 

{Throwing citron.) 
This citron for ill-natured beauty who 
Knew not the honor Alexander gave. 

First Woman 

{Catching the citron in midair, and throwing 

amaryllis.) 
You dog! To throw such plant before this maid! 
I strew her path with amaryllis, which 
Means beautiful timidity. 

Second Noble 

I fling 
Ranunculus, for I am dazzled by 
Her charms. 

Third Noble 

And I bring southernwood for this 
Strange jest our Alexander makes. 



THEKLA 53 

Polybius 

Much more 
Appropriate, sharp xanthium, coarse toothed 
With prickly burrs, for rudeness to our priest. 

Second Woman 

Fool, stay your hand. I throw the yellow bloom 
Of coltsfoot — justice shall be done. 

Third Woman 

Andl — 
The cistus evergreen, which shows to her 
The favor of the populace. 

Postdes 

Look — here 
The amaranth for base pretense. 

Fourth Noble 

I throw 
The marjoram for blushes which are not 
Upon her cheek. 

Fourth Woman 

A red camellia 
For unpretending excellence. 



54 THEKLA 

Fifth Woman 

And here 
The elder for compassion deep. 

Fifth Noble 

A bit 
Of sweet hibiscus for her deHcate 
Young beauty's grace. 

Sixth Woman 

The mint for virtue pure. 

Sixth Noble 

A very large and spreading piece of larch 
For her audacity. 

Seventh Woman 

The cyclamen 
For sweet submission to the law. 

Queen Tryphaena 

(Stepping forth and casting her rubies in the path.^ 

I cry 
For charity to this sweet maid — for this 
I fling my rubies down. Let end this show, 
Castelius. You have brought down the wrath 



THEKLA 55 

Of Queen Tryphaena on your head. Recall 

That I am cousin to the emperor. 

I ask that this sweet maid be granted now 

The privilege reserved for criminals 

Of higher rank, of being kept within 

A private house instead of prison walls 

Until the day that you have set for her 

To die.* Thus till her death may she fulfill 

Her service to her God of purity. 

(Cries of approval from all the women.) 

Let hers not be the fate, the daughter of 

Sejanus suffered at the hands of her 

Inhuman jailer. Let sweet Thekla go 

With me and stay within my home until 

You summon her. I am alone — I have 

No daughter of my own — for years ago 

My Falconilla died. My three sons — kings 

In rank — have not proved true to me. Grant my 

Old age the sweet companionship of one 

So like my child. 

Casteltus 
I grant you care of this 
Young prisoner. Full well you know the law — 
The penalty pronounced on her will be, 
In turn, your fate if she escapes while in 
Your care. To-morrow I shall send for her. 
(Queen Tryphaena leads Thekla away to the house 
which is the Queen s temporary dwelling while 
in Antioch.) 
* This kind of imprisonment (custodia libera privata) 
was common. A guarantee (fide-jussor) was required. The 
guard in charge was liable to the fate of the prisoner if 
allowed to escape. 

LOFC. 



Scene II. {The arena; the day of the venatio and 
Thekla*s exposure to the wild beasts. During the 
night Queen Tryphaena's daughter has appeared to 
her in a dream, bidding her to befriend Thekla, and 
take her as a newfound daughter. JVhen morning 
comeSy Alexander appears with other high officials, 
to require Thekla' s appearance in the arena. Queen 
Tryphaena refuses to let Thekla go until Castelius 
sends soldiers. Weeping bitterly, she then follows 
Thekla to the arena. Here the crowd is assembled 
in an uproar of excitement. Thekla is led within 
the arena and exposed nude except for a cincture. 
The women cry out wildly and throw sweet-smelling 
herbs, nard, cassia, amomum, and many perfumes 
about her in the arena,) 



The Women 

Ah, cruel sight! An evil sentence is 
Upon this maid! 

Ah, see! The beasts in chains! 



Queen Tryphaena 

(Crying out.) 
My daughter Falconilla I have laid 
Within the tomb — and now must I see thee, 
My Thekla, newly found, torn by these beasts! 

56 



THEKLA 57 

Postdes and others 

Away, with this strange sacrilegious maid! 
Bring scorn upon her God who fails her now! 
Great is our Artemis! Away with this 
Religion new! 

{Thekla stands with her arms outstretched in the 
attitude of the cross, and lifts her face to 
heaven.) 

Thekla 

My Lord, my God ! Thou art 
Companion of the persecuted — hear 
My prayer! Behold thy handmaid in this hour, 
For lo, the shame of woman is in me 
Uncovered in the midst of all this crowd. 
Remember me, O God, in this dark hour! 
{A shining mist descends and veils her nakedness.) 



Polybi 



us 



Is there some film upon my eyesight ? Look 
Posides, can you see the maiden's form ? 
She seems to me all veiled in shining mist. 



Posides 

So does she look to me. 

(The people murmur in astonishment.) 



58 THEKLA 

Queen Tryphaena 

The lioness is loosed within the pit! 

{The women zveep and turn away?) 

Alexander 

Castelius! 
Behold the lioness approach the maid 
And fawn about her feet! It acts as if 
It knew and loved her! Look! How can this 

maid 
Be so acquainted with this jungle beast ? 
What are these tales one hears of sympathy 
Between a fearless soul and savage beast ? 
See — now she lays her hand upon its head! 

Castelius 

'Twould seem some subtle power tames the beast! 
{The people are spellbound. Castelius orders the 
bear to be brought in.) 

The Women 

May Thekla's God not fail her now! 

P OS ides 

See how 
The bear looks Thekla o'er — now will she die! 



THEKLA 59 

Polybius 

The lioness has roused from Thekla's feet! 
Look, now the bear advances for a lunge 
Upon the maid! 

Queen Tryphaena 

The bear springs straight upon 
The maid! The lioness attacks the bear! 

The Women 

Ah, bloody conflict. See — the angry bear 
Now slays the lioness! 

Queen Tryphaena 

Nay, nay — look once 
Again — the lioness has turned as if 
Imbued with strength anew. Now — now the 

bear 
Is down. I hear its dying cry! 

Alexander 

Now bring 
The panther in. It has not had its food 
For days. We must make end of this, for there 
Are other sports to come. 

{The panther is unchained and loosed within the 
arena.) 



6o THEKLA 

The Women 

Lo, even this 
Wild beast does not devour her. See — it drav^s 
Apart and stands as if enthralled by some 
Strange powder in her eyes. The lioness 
Is at her feet again like some tame pet! 



Ale 



xander 



It seems we must devise some other means 
To kill this maid. No beast has touched her yet. 
I have two bulls — let her be bound between 
Them by her feet. Then shall the creatures be 
Pressed on by goads of red-hot iron. What say 
You to this plan, Castelius ? 

Castelius 

(Looking gloomily away from the arena and speaking 
reluctantly,) 

Do what 
You will. 

(The lioness is led away. The bulls are brought 
and Thekla bound between them. The red- 
hot irons are brought.) 

Queen Tryphaena 

Farewell, my daughter, — now, the end! 
(She gives a great cry and faints beside the abaci. 
The crowd parts in dismay.) 



THEKLA 6i 

Alexander 

{Much agitated.) 

Release the maid, Castelius, for there 

Tryphaena Hes, death white, and if this reach 

The ears of Claudius, her relative, 

111 will it fare with us if we incur 

His wrath. 

{Castelius summons Thekla from the wild beasts. 
The ropes that bind her to the bulls are found 
to be burned loose by a divine fire, tier 
clothes are restored to her and she stands 
ready for her journey before Castelius and 
the people.) 

Castelius 

Who art thou, maid, and what is there 

About thee that no beast will touch you ? Speak! 

Thekla 

I am the servant of the living God — 
And He alone has rescued me from these 
Wild beasts. 

Castelius 

I do not know your God or what 
Your faith may be — but I release you now, 
Fair Thekla, from the sentence passed upon 
Your act of sacrilege. 
{The people shout with joy and relief.) 



62 THEKLA 

Thekla 

May He who clothed 
My nakedness from all this multitude, 
Clothe you, Castelius, with His benign 
Salvation which alone will give you peace. 

{Thekla revives Tryphaena and bids her farewell, 
though Tryphaena wildly implores her to 
remain with her as her daughter. In 
leaving, Thekla turns and raises her hands 
in silent blessing upon the multitude. Then 
with believing sign from brow to heart she 
starts again upon her journey. The shouts 
of the people shake the very foundations of 
the stadium.) 

The Peoj^^e 

There is but one true God — the God of this 
Young maid — the God of Thekla who goes forth 
A priestess saint to heal this sinful world! 



Thus reads the legend of Saint Thekla, whose 
holy commemoration is to the glory of woman- 
hood, now and ever, age to age eternally. Amen. 



Mi^i iQi;)U9 



tmBA5l.or„,Saml|| 



015 905 954 6 



m 



